Walking Prey

Walking Prey cover photo by David Baldeosingh Rotstein

Walking Prey is an academic non-fiction book about the commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC), including child sex trafficking, in the United States. Although I do share my personal story in Walking Prey, this bookis much more than a memoir. I discuss predisposing factors, community risk factors, and the mindset of “willing victims”. A child victim who does not self-identify as such is often referred to as a “willing victim,” as was I at age 14 in 1992. In Walking Prey, I discuss the mindset of “willing victims” in order to offer insight to law enforcement, healthcare providers, and other victim advocates. My hope is that such insight will enable professionals to offer all victims compassion and appropriate care. Although this book was written with law enforcement and health professionals in mind,Walking Prey offers practical advice and information to parents, teachers, and community members alike. Without the involvement of the entire community, CSEC can and will continue to flourish in American communities. Order Walking Prey now on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or IndieBound.

Advance Praise for Walking Prey

“Rarely does a book synthesize the complicated world of the sex industry with such insight and thoughtfulness. Told from a survivor’s perspective, this book should be required reading for service providers, community members, and our young people.”

“Walking Prey sheds light on the shameful reality of child sexual exploitation and human trafficking within the United States. Holly’s courage and resilience is powerful, as are her thoughtful recommendations for law enforcement, government officials, and parents.”

“In this thoroughly researched and profoundly moving account of sex trafficking in the United States, Holly Smith examines every statistic through a deeply considered reflection on her personal experience of being trafficked as a young teenager. By taking this courageous and generous approach she closes the gap between sensationalism and reality and opens the reader’s mind and heart past judgment and misconceptions to compassion and a desire to take action.”

“By candidly sharing her experience and her expertise, Holly Smith helps professionals understand how they can help, not hurt, child sex trafficking victims. She thoughtfully teaches parents, educators and all of us what is within our power to do to prevent this horrendous crime.”

“In Walking Prey, Holly exposes how the manipulative tactics of sex traffickers is made easier by the media; this revelation still makes my skin crawl. Holly’s story adds fuel to my fire to continue to educate girls about media literacy.”

“Holly provides a vital voice to the anti-trafficking field and exposes the harsh realities of child sex trafficking in America. Her insight is courageous, thought provoking and timely. Anyone reading this book can use what they learn to become an active participant in ensuring a better future for our youth.”

“Holly Smith’s Walking Prey is a brave and moving book. It stands above the traditional narratives of slavery and emancipation, achieving that mix of personal truth and intellectual analysis that marks the work of a special few like Frederick Douglass. Her story is chilling, and a strong reminder of our nation’s failure to protect its children. What makes “Walking Prey different is the deep and passionate, yet cool and logical, understanding of why and how our nation has failed, and what we should be doing about it. This is a book for everyone and one that is a must read for anyone hoping to see the final end of trafficking and slavery in our country.”

“Walking Prey is by far the clearest and most compelling assessment I’ve read on the issue of child sex trafficking in the United States. It addresses the primary questions surrounding the issue and then offers practical points of engagement for those wanting to join the fight against it. I would say it’s a leading resource for anyone on the frontlines of protecting the innocence of these children in our nation.”

“A brave and profoundly important book. In an engaging style and with wisdom gained from terrible personal experience, Holly Smith illuminates the issue of child trafficking and offers practical, compassionate, and useful advice for teenagers, parents, and people in the field. Countering the stereotype of the “victim,” she shows what sets many children up for abuse. She also illustrates how advertisers and marketers fuel the commercial and sexual exploitation of children and put all children at risk.”